Van Dyck’s new owner to buy Schenectady Stockade buildings

The Gillette and Millington properties, two historic homes at the east end of Schenectady’s historic Stockade neighborhood, will be sold by the Chamber of Schenectady County’s Foundation to local businessman Jack McDonald. McDonald, who will pay $88,000 for the two houses, plans to complete the historic renovation of both and use them as offices and residences.

McDonald has rehabbed and restored a number of notable Schenectady buildings. Most recently, he purchased the Van Dyck Lounge across the street from the Gillette and Millington houses. He also owns the Stockade Inn, Pinhead Susan’s and other commercial and residential properties.

“He has really done a wonderful job” with his other properties, said Chuck Steiner, president of the chamber. Steiner said the purchase also will restore the two properties to the city’s tax rolls.

The Chamber Foundation took title to the two properties in September 2007 and at one time planned to relocate the Chamber offices there. Those plans were canceled because of the difficulty in raising funds to complete the work.